American Masters

Watch chef Shola Olunloyo make Marcella Hazan’s simple roast chicken with lemons.

Writer Giuliano Hazan demonstrates his mother's meatballs and tomatoes.

Watch chef April Bloomfield make Marcella Hazan’s tomato sauce with onion and butter.

Marcella Hazan wrote “The Classic Italian Cook Book” with her husband Victor translating.

Discover how Marcella Hazan became a teacher.

Marcella Hazan introduced classic Italian ingredients to America, including extra virgin olive oil.

Margaret Cho is an American stand-up comedian known for social and political critiques.

Director Brooke Pepion Swaney on working with Lily Gladstone before her rise to stardom.

Discover the secrets behind Edward Hopper’s most iconic and enigmatic works.

William F. Buckley, Jr. ran for mayor of New York City under the Conservative Party.

William F. Buckley, Jr. and his wife Patricia had a brazen, but loving relationship.

Yale administration feared Buckley's outspoken criticism of the university.

Learn how the First Amendment protects independent spending by corporations in elections.

Dan Abrams discusses how he admires his father for working on cases he may not agree with.

Jim Cassell organized concerts as fundraisers for the farmworkers’ movement.

"We were making up, in a sense, First Amendment law as we went along," said Floyd Abrams.

The New York Times sought the legal counsel after publishing the Pentagon Papers.

Edward Hopper joins Brian O'Doherty for a conversation about his process and inspirations.

Daniel Valdez created a bolero song from the poem "Brown-Eyed Children of the Sun."

Civil rights activist Cesar Chavez expressed an interest in music from an early age.

Max Roach founded M'Boom, a jazz group made up of experimental percussionists.

Singer Joan Baez was one of the peaceful protesters of the farmworkers’ movement.

Director Sam Pollard was captivated by the life story of drummer and activist Max Roach.

Max Roach was excited by the premise and promise of rap when it first hit the music scene.

Edward Hopper was raised in Nyack, where his creativity was fostered by his parents.

Edward and Jo Hopper lived an extremely frugal life.

Edward Hopper showed no interest in the growing diversity of America.

Edward Hopper's career soared while his wife Jo Nivison's faltered.

Daniel Patrick Moynihan's book transformed how ethnicity was viewed in America.

In 1965, Daniel Patrick Moynihan released the controversial "Moynihan Report."

Edward Hopper displayed a preference for quieter social commentary with his art.

Against advice, Daniel Patrick Moynihan took a job as Richard Nixon's domestic advisor.

Las pinturas de Orozco fueron destruidas por agentes de aduana en los EE. UU.

Orozco pintó uno de los murales públicos más icónicos de México.

Orozco quedó cautivado por el trabajo del artista mexicano José Guadalupe Posada.

Discover the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator and diplomat Daniel Patrick Moynihan.

Watch the first ten minutes of The Incomparable Mr. Buckley in this sneak preview.

Follow Danielle Scott as she makes art that explores the wretched pain and beauty of her ancestors.

Follow Danielle Scott as she makes art that explores the wretched pain and beauty of her ancestors.

Photographer Gioncarlo Valentine documents intimacy as a radical act of self-exploration.

Photographer Gioncarlo Valentine documents intimacy as a radical act of self-exploration.

Explore the creative process and familial narrative behind acclaimed fashion label House of Aama.

Contains ASL. Discover how cookbook writer Marcella Hazan shaped Italian cuisine in America.

Contains EAD. Discover how cookbook writer Marcella Hazan shaped Italian cuisine in America.

Follow furniture maker and conceptual artist Norman Teague as he prepares for a solo exhibition.

Discover Hannah Arendt, one of the most fearless political writers of modern times. [ASL]

Discover Hannah Arendt, one of the most fearless political writers of modern times. [EAD]

TV writer and host Phil Rosenthal talks about finding our shared humanity in food and comedy.

Trace the life and music of “Society’s Child” folk icon and LGBTQ+ advocate Janis Ian.

Trace the life and music of “Society’s Child” folk icon and LGBTQ+ advocate Janis Ian.

Follow Danielle Scott as she makes art that explores the wretched pain and beauty of her ancestors.

Musician Tunde Adebimpe on his creative process behind his solo album debut.

Photographer Gioncarlo Valentine documents intimacy as a radical act of self-exploration.

This version contains extended audio description. Follow author Sarah Thankam Mathews as pressure mounts to follow up her highly acclaimed debut novel, "All This Could Be Different." Mathews excavates her past in India and Oman, contends with her present as a rising literary star, and imagines new futures

This version contains on-screen ASL interpretation. Follow author Sarah Thankam Mathews as pressure mounts to follow up her highly acclaimed debut novel, "All This Could Be Different." Mathews excavates her past in India and Oman, contends with her present as a rising literary star, and imagines new futures

Follow author Sarah Thankam Mathews as pressure mounts to follow up her highly acclaimed debut novel, "All This Could Be Different." Mathews excavates her past in India and Oman, contends with her present as a rising literary star, and imagines new futures of immigration, justice, and community.

Gladys Bentley was a musical sensation and gender identity pioneer.

Sarria was a legend of the San Francisco drag scene.

Jean Malin was one of the first openly gay performers in the Prohibition era.

She was an artist, activist, gay mother and mentor to hundreds of queer youth.

This recipe for tomato toasts with olives is inspired by Pépin's time in Spain.

Pépin teaches us how to make onion soup gratinée.

Pépin shows us how to make one of his favorite dishes for the summer, a fresh corn purée.

Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio is a Kanaka Maoli wahine poet, activist, and academic.

Another take on blueberries, lemon and mint from Jacques Pépin transforms the fruit into a simple and refreshing dessert.

In the summer, Pépin likes to use fresh basil from his garden to make this pesto recipe. The basil puree can also be made ahead and frozen to enjoy in the colder months.

This versatile pasta recipe, adapted from Jacques' friend Ed Giobbi, can be tossed with a salad of any vegetables that are in season. Microwaving the veggies helps this dish come together quickly.

Maia Cruz Palileo is a multi-disciplinary artist who explores themes of migration.

She was a record-breaking mountaineer, educator and suffragist.

Julian Eltinge was a female impersonator who was once America's highest paid performer.

She ran for president in lipstick, heels and eyeshadow.

Discover "the fastest woman in the world," deaf racecar driver and daredevil Kitty O'Neil.

The slow roasting of this dish makes for a tender and juicy pork. Pépin serves his with ratatouille, or stewed vegetables made up of zucchini, eggplant and tomatoes.

Jacques Pépin shows us a simple but tasty Brussels sprouts recipe.

Pépin's recipe for stuffed portobello has breadcrumbs, garlic, butter and herbs.

Fran Drescher talks about how she took inspiration from Lucille Ball for "The Nanny."

A lyrical exploration of the life and work of Mexican-American poet Alejandro Jimenez.

Chef Ethan Lim creates vibrant dishes inspired by the rich, complex history of Cambodia.

Artist Senghor Reid draws inspiration from current events and his hometown of Detroit.

Caribbean-American D.J. Walshy Fire electrifies audiences with dancehall-inspired beats.

Artist Sydney G. James’ bold brush strokes address racial injustice in her native Detroit.

Ojibwe artist Jonathan Thunder explores the mythic inspirations of his surrealist work.

Neil Young speaks about David Geffen’s role as a performer in the art of the deal.

Steve Martin discusses how David Geffen found Hollywood success through his friendships.

Actor Treat Williams describes working with director Sidney Lumet on “Prince of the City.”

Drag performer and artist Lady Bunny talks about Mae West's influence.

James Earl Jones talks Sidney Poitier's impact on himself and other young Black actors.

Billy Crystal speaks on his admiration for and working relationship with Sammy Davis, Jr.

John Singleton came to Maya Angelou for guidance while working on "Poetic Justice."

André Leon Talley recounts how Mae West used fashion and her sexuality to empower herself.

DeafBlind people are creating a new language called Protactile, based solely on touch.

Filmmaker Jonas Mekas describes the burgeoning art scene of New York City in the 1960s.

DeafBlind people are creating a new language called Protactile, based solely on touch.

For tuna tartare, Pépin recommends dicing the fish with a knife instead of using a food processor, which tends to make the fish mushy. He serves his tartare with onions, scallions and a garnish of bread and cucumbers.

"I always had crêpes as a child, and made them countless times for my daughter and granddaughter. There is nothing easier than making crêpes. I put a piece of butter to melt in a skillet, and by the time that butter is melted I have mixed enough milk, flour,

Cod is a flaky and affordable fish. Jacques Pépin serves his with a garnish of vegetables including mushrooms, scallions, radishes and olives, but it can be made with any leftover vegetables you may have.

Jacques Pépin's method for a simple baked salmon includes a sauce of ketchup, sesame oil, and hot sauce. He serves it with a side of caramelized endive.